Core Viewpoint - The successful birth of nine baby mice from a female mouse that returned from space marks a significant achievement in China's space research, demonstrating the feasibility of conducting mammalian experiments in space and providing valuable data for future studies [1][2]. Group 1: Space Experiment Overview - Four experimental mice were launched aboard the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft and conducted survival and adaptation experiments in a space environment [1]. - The mission faced challenges, including a temporary food shortage due to adjustments in the Shenzhou 20 return plan, which required rapid emergency responses from the ground research team [1]. Group 2: Emergency Response and Adaptation - The ground team quickly initiated an emergency response mechanism, evaluating various potential food substitutes and ultimately selecting soybean milk for the mice [1]. - The team also addressed the mice's drinking needs by utilizing a water supply interface in the space breeding device, ensuring the mice had access to water during the mission [1]. Group 3: Data Support and Monitoring - An AI behavior analysis system was developed to track the mice's movements, eating, and sleeping patterns, providing critical data to support emergency decision-making [2]. - The successful recovery of the mice after their return to Earth on November 14 and their subsequent transport to Beijing on November 18 highlights the comprehensive technical solution for conducting mammalian space experiments [2]. Group 4: Research Implications - The mother mouse exhibited normal nurturing behavior, and the vitality of the baby mice was reported to be good, indicating that short-term space flight did not negatively impact the reproductive capabilities of the mice [2]. - This mission provides invaluable samples for studying the effects of space environments on early mammalian development, laying a solid foundation for future large-scale mammalian space science experiments [2].
【新华网】神舟出差返回后 “太空鼠”当妈妈啦!